Find Your UNIQUE STYLE Formula and Sew it to Perfection!

[@fivekatz1]

A simple pattern that is well cut and nicely finished will always look better than a complex pattern that you've rushed through. I grew up influenced by Jackie Kennedy- my mother wore much of much of the same styles; she also sewed for herself and me. She would study fashion magazines and then go to the fabric store, select similar patterns, and make up the "costumes". I remember when one could go to a nice department store and buy beautiful fabrics.

[@SewSewLounge]

I agree and I tend to prefer simple patterns. Some of the big department stores in London still sell fabric!

[@tammymasson2343]

I 100% agree with you about color! Wear what you like, because you probably look good in it! Don't feel pressured to pay hundreds of dollars to be told what colors to wear. Great video!

[@SewSewLounge]

Thanks for watching Tammy! I’m so glad you enjoyed my video. Fashion is what you make it, not what some designer out of touch with reality tells you it is. ❤️

[@Beth_Ann_K]

Love grandma’s tip about matching up stripe or repeat print to the notches. Would love to see you highlight that some time when you are cutting out a garment with a repeating print. Interesting topic you covered today.

[@SewSewLounge]

It’s a great tip! Will do a more detailed account the next time I use stripes or plaid 😉

[@kathleenmuller6218]

Grandma is so awesome! Loved today’s discussion, Toni.

[@SewSewLounge]

Thanks Kathleen!

[@katiedoessewing2218]

I guess you’ve seen this text from Singer Sewing Machine Company 1949 Never approach sewing with a sigh or lackadaisical attitude. Good results are difficult when indifference predominates. Never try to sew with the sink full of dishes or bed unmade. When there are urgent housekeeping chores, do these first so that your mind is free to enjoy your sewing. When you sew, make yourself as attractive as possible. Go through a beauty ritual of orderliness. Have on a clean dress. Be sure your hands are clean, finger nails smooth - a nail file and pumice will help. Always avoid hangnails. Keep a little bag full of French chalk near your sewing machine where you can pick it up and dust your fingers at intervals. This not only absorbs the moisture on your fingers, but helps to keep your work clean. Have your hair in order, power and lipstick put on with care. Looking attractive is a very important part of sewing, because if you are making something for yourself, you will try it on at intervals in front of your mirror, and you can hope for better results when you look your best. If you are constantly fearful that a visitor will drop in or your husband will come home and you will not look neatly put together, you will not enjoy your sewing as you should.

[@SewSewLounge]

I think I have that written in a Singer Sewing book! I laughed out loud the first time I read it. Like anyone has time for that 🤣

[@katiedoessewing2218]

Love the channel!!! Thanks so much!

[@katiedoessewing2218]

And love your Grandma story ❤

[@BritInvLvr]

Some years ago, I started sewing again. I’ve always loved 1920s through the 60s styles. I made a cute 20s style dress and matching hat for Easter. I asked my husband if dressing this way would make him uncomfortable. He said, no way. Do whatever makes me happy. I’m a 66 year old woman who wears vintage style clothes that I make and I get stopped all the time and complimented. Wear what makes you happy. Life is so short.

[@SewSewLounge]

I love your story! I think it's so important to wear what makes you happy, regardless of your age. Plus it’s always fun to mix things up 😉

[@connienash3666]

Loved Grandma's story! I remember several years ago I wore heels while walking several blocks downtown while on my lunch break. By the time I finally limped back to my office I had severe blisters on both my heels!

[@SewSewLounge]

Grandma has lots of high heeled shoe stories too! 🤣

[@jeannie82024]

Absolutely fabulous! Love your boldness on how you infuse color into your wardrobe and it blends beautifully and flawlessly.

[@SewSewLounge]

Thank you! I’m so glad you liked it!

[@LibAlcock]

Yes, look in your closet, clone your favorite clothing pieces. Know your body type, what looks good on your body type? Personal color analysis is important. From there pick patterns (for your body type) and pick fabric in colors you want to wear. (I cannot and will not wear heels, too physically painful. Always on the lookout for stylish comfy flat shoes!) All great time-tested tips. ❤ 🇨🇦

[@SewSewLounge]

Glad that you agree 😉 Though, I do love some high heels, just not for sightseeing in NYC!

[@ginaburgess9759]

Thanks for that Toni. I totally get what you are saying and just wear hat I’m comfortable in..and you’re right, if you feel good in something, it usually suits you. I loved your definition of both style and fashion! I’m new to your channel and really like what I see. Greetings from Australia

[@SewSewLounge]

You're welcome Gina! So glad you like my channel! Welcome 🤠

[@marygautreaux2431]

Oh my! So much awesome information! Thank you! Oh and I love your grandma!!!!!!!!

[@SewSewLounge]

I'm so glad it helped! Grandma sends her love.

[@janfranklin2114]

I am old enough to remember the Bishop Method! I remember having to “dress” to go anywhere too. My friend who grew up in the NYC area said she remembers going shopping in the city and they would deliver your packages to your home! Not to worry about those sexist remarks about dressing for a man, you’re off the market 😂😂😂. I love color too and couldn’t care less if a costume (love that) is in my “colors “, life is short, enjoy the rainbow 🌈

[@SewSewLounge]

It's so great to hear your fun memories! Grandma tells me stories about getting dressed up to go shopping in New Orleans and having a driver follow her to pick up packages as she and her sister shopped!

[@dotintime1237]

I landed here from your SCHMETZ needle video, which is great technical info…and this one shines the same illuminating smart thinking on style. A+ and worth subscribing. Thanks. 😎

[@SewSewLounge]

Thanks! I’m glad you found both videos helpful!

[@kimberlywiley7727]

Retired, I’ve discovered I love culottes and cotton shift dresses. I am mixing prints with tiered dresses. Those are my outfits, costumes, my dressing persona.

[@SewSewLounge]

I love how you’ve defined your style!

[@RochelleASalas]

Hello from Madera CA… love your videos ❤❤❤❤

[@SewSewLounge]

Thanks for watching and leaving so many comments Rochelle❤️

[@moniquebarker2370]

I love your Grandma!

[@SewSewLounge]

Aww thanks. She’s the best❤️

[@sandimcp]

Hi Toni. For a long time I have struggled to find my personal style. As a result, my closet is on the thin side in terms of the number of outfits that I have and even fewer that I can or want to wear. I literally have just over a dozen outfits aside from my uniforms for work (which I hate because I never feel comfortable or attractive in it). To be honest, making clothes was one of the reasons to take up sewing in the first place. (I primarily wanted a creative outlet to help me cope with my job stress. In my head, sewing is plain fun so whatever I make is pure bonus.) Rome wasn't built in a day but I need to make more things to fill the giant hole in my closet. These tips are so great, and right on time for me. It has made me think a little differently about it all and I feel that that will help me take some concrete steps to sorting out my wardrobe and to just make some better choices for myself and not so much based on what anyone else thinks. After all, I am the one that gets to choose. I love skirts so I think I'll make myself a skirt first.

[@SewSewLounge]

Thank you for sharing your story Sandi❤️ I’m glad to know that you’re learning to sew as a creative outlet AND to help with stress. I sew for the exact same reasons. I love skirts and they are fun and easy to start with. I like a nice a-line skirt with darts, facings, and an invisible zipper in the back. If you have any questions, please send me an email 😊

[@bluelobsterart]

This is so helpful. Thank you!

[@SewSewLounge]

You're welcome! I'm glad you found it helpful.

[@allenw709]

I am a firm believer in wearing what I like to wear and what makes me feel great. I teach school and I do wear heels every day (male and in cowboy boots😂) and I also teach school in leather pants and shirt sometimes. If I'm not in Boots and leather, or a combination thereof, my students think I'm not feeling well or that something is wrong.

[@SewSewLounge]

That’s awesome! I think everyone should wear what makes them happy.

[@allenw709]

@@SewSewLounge One of my friends once told me: "The greatest joy in life is to NOT conform."

[@elsafischer3247]

First you are right and I remember my mother always told us that you wear, what you liked .

[@SewSewLounge]

When I was little I was forced to wear dresses that I hated-never again!!

[@ZeldaSews]

Hi Toni. Great to see you. I thought you were taller than what you stated, 5'5 in! I'm 5'7 in.😅 I love the information you shared today! Have a great week!

[@SewSewLounge]

Thanks for watching! It’s hard to tell how tall someone is on camera. It’s funny when you meet them in person and they’re taller or shorter than you imagined.

[@ljwilliams755]

Thanks for this, Toni. Your tips for sewing my own personal style are really helpful.

[@SewSewLounge]

I'm so glad you found them helpful! ❤️

[@ftortorici]

I started sewing again during this last year. I own a pottery studio but i hate wearing jeans and denim all the time. It might be practical but i look sloppy. During the warmer months im in skorts and loafers. But id much rather my costumes be a little more upscale. I hate fast fashion. So i only buy clothes if im desperate. 😂

[@SewSewLounge]

I have a friend who has a farm and got tired of wearing overalls so now she wears dresses. But she buys them at the thrift shop so if they get ruined it ok. You have to wear what makes you feel comfortable AND confident!!

[@martbright]

The first time I was on an airplane was in 1970--my mom took us kids to Europe. We had to dress up--everybody did. TBH I sorta miss those days when I am traveling and I look at what other people are wearing, LOL! I notice that you wear black tops on most of your KZbin videos. Is there a reason for that? I love your choice of colors and prints for the things you sew. I am totally into that for myself as well. At work I could wear gym clothes every day but I like to be creative with my outfits. It's just more fun...

[@SewSewLounge]

I remember moving to Belgium in the 80s (I was 7) and we wore dresses and fancy shoes on the plane. I still dress up when I travel. I wear black t-shirts because it’s an easy uniform and I don’t have to think about what to wear. Plus it never clashes with my projects 😉

[@tdav3237]

Actually, some of the “old“ ideas about dressing wouldn’t be so bad applied in today’s context. I really hate even going to the grocery store and seeing people in pyjama bottoms, flip-flops, holey jeans, and dirty T-shirts. I live in a resort town and we can always spot the “ tourists” by their “ fashion choices”, BYW so can thieves so you make yourself a target by “ letting it all hang out “. I’m not suggesting we break out the white gloves, but combing your hair, actually putting on clean clothes instead of underwear passing for clothes, just shows a level of self-respect and consideration for people who have to interact with you.

[@SewSewLounge]

This video was cut from a livestream I did over the summer. I went into a full rant about people wearing pjs as clothing to go to court or fly on planes. I had a client show up for court having literally rolled out of bed. No bra and a dirty t-shirt, unbrushed, hair, pj pants and slippers. Then she couldn’t understand why she wasn’t allowed into the courtroom 🤦🏽‍♀️. The judge reset her case and I had to explain to her why she wasn’t properly dressed and she was in her 20s!! I’m totally with you on just having self-respect to put on clothing to leave the house.

[@myraalkins5305]

Toni, love your grandma. But Audrey Hepburn wore a black top in Sabrina in 1954. I’m not sure if she was referring to the presidential years.

[@SewSewLounge]

Grandma’s point was that no one wore a black top with white pants in real life until Jackie Kennedy wore it. It was such a fashion statement that it was on the news. Apparently the look from the movie didn’t translate into fashion off the screen.

[@CarolAReece-ii1ry]

Times change !

[@SewSewLounge]

They do, thankfully!

[@PamSmith-iv8zu]

Thanks! What great information and advice. Reminds me of my going to my hairdresser and telling her to cut my hair cause I’m too OLD to wear it long. She said, “no you’re not, your hair is beautiful. Who told you that?” Right, who did tell me that?🤨 Wonderful video💓

[@SewSewLounge]

You’re welcome Pam, thanks for watching! Glad you didn’t cut off your hair. I think too often we have soundtracks in our head that someone told us and we don’t even question them. Glad that your hairdresser helped you get past that one. ❤️

[@sheilamcmillan874]

Wearing heels is unnecessary and inappropriate for long day/distance walking and is only going to do long term damage to your feet. We should wear supportive comfortable shoes, that we can also look good in, when we need to be on our feet for a long time. High heels are lovely to match an outfit when walking is not the primary task. Men should never dictate what we wear. Thanks for educating us! Love your Grandma!

[@SewSewLounge]

Very true Shelia! I wear sensible height heels with rubber soles when I’m in court. Wearing what makes you feel good and confident is more important than dressing for a particular person.

[@erlinemountney8643]

I have been sewing since I was 11 years old and now I am 65:) But only being 4' 11" and a small frame I have no idea what style would work????? Any ideas????

[@SewSewLounge]

I’d say start with what you like to wear, but you won’t go wrong with an a-line skirt or a cute shift dress 😉

[@CeresIsABetterPlanetThanPluto]

Hey 👋 do some experimenting at a clothing store just to decide your favorite necklines mine are boat necks and slightly exaggerated v-necks. Then decide if oversized/drop waists or cinched belts at natural waist. Do warm caramel browns or cool powder grays look better on you? If carmel= you look best in warm yellowy colors like leaf green, peachy corals, tomato reds . If gray= blues and ballerina pinks and lavenders look best on you. If you get an idea of neckline, waist and color temperature you like to wear, you'll have actually a pretty good place to start with a style you love. Like if a pattern has a bpat or slash neck I know I'm going to love wearing it. I know I can throw a wide belt on anything and make it feel more "me". I willl pick a kingfisher blue over an indigo blue. Your height may or may not matter much, like platform shoes will actually make someone taller but they don't always make a person seem any longer than a little kitten heel would.

[@CeresIsABetterPlanetThanPluto]

I personally get overwhelmed with a million choices on accessories so I've simplified to cognac colored leather shoes belts and bags with gold hardware and basically the same gold necklace, gold earrings, and gold rings I wear almost every day. It looks cohesive and intentional but takes zero thought after deciding once that I liked the look of that. I've thought about buying a set of the same in black or red but....honestly I don't really miss the lack of options and haven't thought it was worth the money yet

[@daxxydog5777]

I disagree that you'll be wearing that "classic" fast fashion piece for years to come. You'll be lucky to get a few wears out of it, much less a few seasons. You should do a video on terrible quality in those. The pinholes in the stomach area make me crazy! That's why I'm copying the styles and items with better fabric.

[@SewSewLounge]

Maybe, but I find that fast fashion in Europe is better quality. Zara in Spain is much better sewn than what’s in shops here. Same goes for Mango and H&M.